Performance of irrigated Rhodes grass in contrast to some local forage types in the Sudan

Maarouf I. Mohammed and Faisal S. H. Babikir

ABSTRACT

Two experiments were conducted during 2006-08 at Shambat The first experiment continued for two years (2006-07) whereas the second one covered one year (2007). The objectives were to investigate the performance of five Rhodes Grass cultivars in comparison with four local cultivars comprising two perennial forage legumes: 'Berseem Hijazi' (Medicago sativa L.); Clitoria (Clitoria ternatea L.) and two annual forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) 'Abu 70' and ‘Garawi’ The materials were arranged in RCBD with 3 replicates. The Rhodes and forage legumes cultivars were evaluated across 19 and 9 cuts in the first and the second experiment, respectively. The forage sorghum cultivars were evaluated for 4 cuts in both experiments.

The data collected included fresh and dry forage yield, days to 50 percent flowering and plant height. The proximate analysis for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude protein (CP) was carried out.

The statistical analysis was performed as split plot considering the cuts as split in time imposed over the genotypes (main units). The Contrast analysis for Rhodes cultivars as group vs each of the local checks was performed.

Mean squares from combined ANOVA indicated that differences between genotypes in forage yield were significant pointing to genetic variability existing among the studied materials

The contrast analysis indicated that Rhodes group significantly outyielded forage sorghum in all cuts other than the first one.

The Rhodes cultivars significantly outyielded ‘Berseem Hijazi and Clitoria throughout all cuts.

Quality wise, the results obtained indicated the inferiority of Rhodes compared Alfalfa (cv Berseem Hijazi) However, compared to sorghums, percentages of protein shown by Rhodes Grass in this study (11% - 13%) were quite comparable, if not better than those reported in the Sudan and elsewhere.

The results obtained in this study, suggested the validity of introducing Rhodes Grass as a new forage crop in the Sudan as it lends it self to modernized systems of forage production (mechanized hay-making system) that help greatly in boosting fodder production. Being a perennial crop with high yielding capacity, good storability and transportability, Rhodes Grass is expected to help in bridging the accidental gaps in forage production.

More studies are needed to evaluate Rhodes Grass under rain-fed or at least partial rain-fed (with supplementary irrigation) conditions with the objectives of reducing costs of production.